MADRID– Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez denied corruption allegations against his wife but will consider resigning after a judicial investigation was launched Wednesday into allegations she used her position to influence business deals.
Sánchez said in a letter published on his X account that although the accusations against his wife Begoña Gómez are false, he is canceling his public agenda until Monday when he announces whether he will continue or resign.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s previous story follows below.
A Spanish judge agreed Wednesday to investigate corruption allegations made against the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez by a private group with a history of filing lawsuits primarily over right-wing causes.
The Madrid-based court will consider the allegations and either proceed with the investigation or dismiss it.
Begoña Gómez, 49, does not hold public office and maintains a low political profile.
Manos Limpas accuses Gómez of allegedly using his position to influence business deals. The court did not provide further information and said the sample was sealed.
Clean Hands describes itself as a union, but its main activity is a platform that pursues legal cases. Many have been linked to right-wing causes. It acts as the “popular accusation”, a peculiarity of Spanish law that allows natural or legal persons to participate in certain criminal cases even when they have not been directly harmed by the accused.
The Minister of Justice, Félix Bolaños, described the new accusations as “false.”
When asked in Parliament after the court’s decision if he thought the judicial system works, Sánchez responded: “On a day like today and after hearing the news, despite everything, I continue to believe in the judicial system of this country.” .